The Fort Myers Police Department is seeking the public's help in tracking down an armed robber who forced a Tijuana Flats manager to zip tie her employees.
The incident happened Tuesday night around 10:30 p.m at the restaurant along Six Mile Cypress and Dani Drive.
"It's crazy you know, just two doors down and our back door is open all the time," said Jeff Davis, a contractor working on a new business near Tijuana Flats.
According to FMPD, the gunman entered the restaurant through an unlocked backdoor.
Lieutenant Victor Medico told Fox 4 the suspect is described as a slim black male, roughly 5 '7" to 5' 9". Medico says once inside the restaurant the gunman forced the manager at gun point to zip tie her employees.
"This isn't everyday where you hear about the perpetrator asking the victims to zip tie them up. So that's definitely something of note for anyone who has potential information," said Lt. Medico.
An employee at a business next door to the restaurant says the incident raises safety concerns. "A crime next door naturally that's going to make you worry a bit," said Gary Knoll.
Gary says the after hours heist is partly why he doesn’t accept cash. "Any one who has a little cash in the store, there's someone who is desperate," said Knoll.
Despite the worries, the terrifying stick-up isn't holding up business and customers I spoke to say the incident won't keep them away.
"You know things happen, it's beyond our control but it's not going to keep me from going anywhere," Craig Niland.
FMPD says the suspect may have taken off in a black sedan. If you have any information about this incident you are urged to call FMPD at (239) 321-7700. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
